Truck line building board game and method of play thereof

ABSTRACT

A truck line building board game for learning major highway travel routes and for learning to build and manage a truck line, wherein players travel a map board along major highways between a starting city and a destination city, and obtain payment for the distance travelled. Money earned is utilized to purchase additional trucks, wherein the trucks serve as a multiplier for the money received for travelling a particular route.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND LIMITED AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to board games, and more specifically to a truck line building board game and method of play thereof, wherein the game provides for building a trucking company for learning about transportation of goods via major highway systems, particularly the United States Interstate Highway System and major Canadian provincial roads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various board games exist for enjoyment and/or education. Principal among these are the games that teach acquisition of property, such as the well-known MONOPOLY game, wherein houses and hotels are purchased and rental income is acquired from players landing on the locations associated with such properties. Such games also provide a limited geographical education, particularly the streets and cities represented within these games.

While such games may teach business transactions in general, they are inadequate in their teachings of a specific business, do not provide a larger education of geographical areas or routes associated therewith, and do not represent realistic travel experiences.

Thus, there is no available game to provide knowledge of the Interstate Highway System of the United States of America, wherein such a game would be beneficial to future travellers or to those working in the trucking industry. Additionally, there are no games that teach acquisition of trucks to create a truck line or trucking company, nor any that teach the different types of trucks travelling the highways of the United States and/or Canada. Furthermore, there are no games that teach how truck drivers earn their pay; namely, by being paid for the miles that they travel in delivery of goods.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a truck line building board game to teach players about major road systems in the United States and Canada, and about the business of owning/running a trucking company.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a truck line building board game and method of play thereof, wherein the object of the board game is to transport goods via trucks across the United States Interstate Highway System, receive monetary compensation for successful delivery of such goods, and utilize the compensation for expansion of the player's truck line; thereby, enabling the player to transport an increased quantity of goods, resulting in increased compensation therefrom.

The game provides learning skills in geography, specifically state and city locations, and a familiarity with the United States Interstate Highway System. It further promotes general skills in building and running a business, and specific skills in transportation of goods via the trucking business. Providing such learning skills impart players with knowledge of United States geography and the interconnection of travel routes therein, and further provides the players with an understanding of running and expanding a business, particularly a trucking line.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a truck line building board game and method of play thereof, wherein the board game comprises a map board, a standard deck of cards with two jokers, at least one die, representative monetary indicia, and game pieces in the form of different types of trucks. Players travel the game board along major highways between a home city and a destination city. The major highways comprise, for exemplary purposes only, the United States Interstate Highway System and major Canadian provincial roads.

Players learn the major highway routes between cities, thereby improving their geographic knowledge, and further acquire funds for “moving goods” between city pairs. Players also learn about running a trucking business, wherein funds are utilized to obtain additional trucks, thereby providing a player with increased capacity for “moving goods” and, thus, enabling the player to receive an increased level of funds for “moving goods” between subsequent city pairs.

More specifically, the present invention is a truck line building board game, wherein players acquire trucks for moving goods between cities, and wherein the players are compensated for the miles travelled between city pairs. The game has a board with a map of the United States and portions of Canada. The map shows states and major cities therein. The cities are connected by paths representing the Interstate Highway System, and major provincial highways of Canada, wherein the paths are divided into mileage segments for movement by players therealong.

The game also utilizes play money, dice, game cards and game pieces. The game pieces represent different types of trucks, such as closed truck/trailers (including refrigeration trailers), tanker truck/trailers, flat truck/trailers (with containers) and auto transports. The play money is utilized to keep score in the game, with the winning player being the first to achieve a previously-selected net worth value. The dice are utilized to determine the distance to be travelled along the highways and to provide diverse actions through selection of cards when certain number combinations arise. The cards represent activities that must be undertaken, wherein the activities typically represent receiving or paying money.

Players select a home city and a destination city. The players then travel between the selected cities via rolls of the dice. Upon reaching a destination, a player is paid. Upon returning to his/her home city the player is also paid. All payments are based on the distance travelled.

Prior to rolling the dice, players can utilize funds available on hand to purchase trucks. Compensation is then subsequently determined by multiplying the payment due for travel between city pairs by the number of trucks that a player owns.

In playing the game of the present invention, players experience travel along the United States Interstate Highway System and/or along major provincial routes in Canada. Players travel between selected cities and are paid based on the distance between the cities.

The game provides a benefit to future and existing drivers by providing knowledge of the Interstate Highway System, geography of cities across the United States and Canada, and an understanding of how the trucking industry operates and how truck drivers are paid.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is that it increases knowledge of major highways.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it provides geographical knowledge of major cities.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it provides business skills.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it teaches players about the trucking industry.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it teaches players about different types of trucks utilized for transporting goods.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it teaches competitive wealth building.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a map board of a truck line building board game according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a callout perspective view depicting game pieces; and

FIG. 3 is a callout top view of an Interstate Highway path along the game board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is a truck line building board game 10 comprising board 20 having map 30 thereon. Map 30 comprises country area 40 with major states/provinces 100 and cities 60 depicted therein. Major cities 60 are interconnected via paths 110, wherein paths 110 represent major highway systems and comprise divisions 120 thereof, wherein divisions 120 represent mileage for segments 130 of travel between cities 60.

Truck line building board game 10 further comprises play money 80, dice 70, game cards 90 and game pieces 50, wherein game pieces 50 are selected to represent different types of trucks, including for exemplary purposes only, refrigerator/closed truck/trailers, tanker truck/trailers, flat truck/trailers and auto transports.

To begin game 10, players set up game board 20, select game pieces 50 and place their selected game piece 50 on selected home city 55, wherein home city 55 is selected by each player, and wherein players choose their respective home city 55 by order based on the roll of die 75. Additionally, players are apportioned a selected amount of money 80.

A target amount of money 80 is selected to end the game, once a player achieves that amount. Alternately, a total mileage travelled could be utilized as a game end indicator. A price to be paid for each truck to be subsequently acquired is also selected. Additionally, an amount of money 80 is selected to be paid, per mile travelled, to a player from bank 85, wherein the player is paid upon reaching destination city 65.

Once preliminary tasks have been completed, play of game 10 commences with players taking turns rolling dice 70 and moving their respective game piece 50 along paths 110, counting spaces 120 to move in accordance with the number represented on dice 70. Players roll dice 70 in turn, moving their game pieces 50 along paths 120 to their selected destination cities 65. Once a player reaches his/her destination city 65, the player is paid for the mileage travelled from his/her home city 55 to his/her destination city 65. When the player returns to his/her home city 55 on subsequent rolls of dice 70, the player is again paid for the distance travelled during the return trip.

Prior to rolling dice 70, a player can purchase additional trucks, wherein the number of trucks owned by a player is indicated by marker 150. By purchasing additional trucks, a player receives a multiplier for payment for miles travelled. Upon rolling dice 70, the player determines if the roll is a multiple of three and, if so, the player selects card 90 and carries out the action described in the rules therefor.

The rules of play are more fully set forth hereinbelow:

© 2005, Fazenda Jackson, All rights reserved

Game Rules

The game is played by two to four players from age twelve to adult. Each player is represented by a different type of truck: Tanker, reefer/enclosed, flat/container or auto-transports.

Players travel a map board with spaces thereon, transporting good between major United States and Canadian cities. The map board depicts the continental United States and portions of Canada. Players travel in North-South and East-West directions, following the United States Interstate Highway and Canadian provincial highway systems.

Players earn money by moving their truck(s) between their home and destination cities, and delivering the carried goods. The amount of money earned is based on the distance travelled.

As players earn money, additional trucks may be purchased. Each truck owned multiplies the pay received per trip.

Movement of trucks across the map board is determined by the roll of dice. One to three dice may be utilized, depending on the length of game desired. Additionally, a standard deck of playing cards with two jokers is utilized, and cards are selected based on a numerical total appearing on the dice.

The first player to achieve a pre-selected net worth is the winner of the game. A player's net worth is determined from the amount of cash on hand, plus the number of trucks owned multiplied by the purchase price of the respective trucks.

Setting Up the Game

Players set a net worth target. For a long game the player' utilize a single die and/or select a large net worth target amount. For a medium length game, the players utilize two dice. For a short game, the players utilize three dice and/or select a low net worth target amount.

Players set a pay scale for trip mileage pay. For example: $1.00 per mile, $2.00 per mile, $3.00 per mile, $4.00 per mile, etc.

Players set prices for purchase of additional trucks. For example: $25,000 per truck, $50,000 per truck, $75,000 per truck, etc. When a player has two or more trucks his/her trip pay increases proportionately. For example, the trip pay doubles for two trucks; triples for three trucks etc. The game piece truck represents the truck fleet that the player owns.

Players set an amount to be received from bank at the beginning of the game, $3,000, $5,000, etc. The selected amount of currency is then issued to each player.

Beginning the Game

One die is rolled to determine which player goes first. The player who goes first picks his/her home station city and game piece. No two players can have the same home station city. For each trip, after reaching his/her destination city, a player must return to his/her home station city.

Before rolling the dice, the next player in line states his/her destination for the first trip.

Play of the Game

Dice are rolled and players either move the number from the dice, or alternately, if a multiple of three is thrown, the player selects a card and first carries out the action on the card.

Before rolling the dice, the player states his/her destination for his/her trip. Each time a player leaves his/her home station, he/she must state his/her destination city. Each time the player reaches his/her destination he/she must return to his/her home station. Upon reaching a destination and/or returning home, the player receives payment from the bank based on miles travelled between the city pair. For example, the distance from San Francisco, Calif. to Bangor, Me. is 3,352 miles, for which a player would receive $10,056.00 if the selected pay scale is $3.00, or $6,704.00 if the selected pay scale is $2.00.

A player can select the same or different destination each time, but must do so while located at his/her home station city.

A player can change his/her home station city by selection, but only upon return thereto. To relocate to a new home station city, the player must first declare the new city as his/her home station and then travel there as with any other destination.

Prior to the player's roll, the player can purchase additional trucks with available funds, thereby increasing his/her pay multiplier.

While moving his/her game piece across the game board, if another player occupies the space on which the moving player is to stop, the moving player travels to the next available space toward his/her destination.

Players roll the dice to move their respective game pieces along the spaces on the board. If a player throws a multiple of three, the player draws a card from the card stack. For example, when utilizing one die, cards will be drawn upon a roll of three or six; for two dice, cards will be drawn upon a roll of three, six, nine or twelve, etc. After the player performs the action indicated on the card, the player then moves spaces according to the number rolled. (Players may agree in advance of commencing the game to utilize a different number set for drawing cards other than multiples of three.)

Actions to be Taken Based on Cards Drawn (Total of 54 Cards)

-   Joker: Player receives $2,000.00 bonus for prompt, on-time delivery. -   Ace: Player receives $1,000.00 tax refund for fuel taxes. -   King: Truck breaks down and is towed to nearest city. Player pays     $2,000.00 for repairs and towing. Player moves dice count. -   Queen: Truck breaks down and is towed to nearest city. Player pays     $2,000.00 for repairs and towing, and loses turn. -   Jack: Player pays $2,000.00 for tags and insurance. -   10: Player pays $1,000.00 for replacement of truck alternator and     batteries, and for preventative maintenance oil change. -   9: Player pays extra tolls of $1,000.00. -   8: Player goes to jail for excessive speeding, pays $1,000.00 fine,     loses roll count and next two turns. -   7: Road service required for tire blowout. Player pays $1,000.00 for     two tires. -   6: Player is stopped at weighing station and placed out of service;     player loses turn, roll count, and pays $1,000.00 for repairs. -   5: Road service required for tire blowout. Player pays $500.00 for     one tire. -   4: Stopped at weighing station, found overweight and logbook not in     order. Pay $500.00 -   3: Get speeding ticket. Pay $200.00. -   2: Road construction, go back 10 spaces.

Players must make any payments required for the actions on the card drawn, and must further pay in accordance with the number of trucks that the player owns. For example, if the player owns three trucks and rolls a six, and the player draws a seven of clubs, the player must pay $3,000.00, but then can move six places. However, if the player owns three trucks rolls a six and draws the queen of hearts, the player must then pay $6,000.00 and cannot move on that turn.

© 2005, Fazenda Jackson, All rights reserved

It is envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that any country with its cities and routes could be utilized.

It is envisioned in an additional alternate embodiment of the present invention of the present invention that players could be permitted to utilize the same home station city.

It is envisioned in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention that features important to travellers/truck drivers could be depicted along the travel route, such as, for exemplary purposes only, truck rest areas and service areas. Money could be awarded to a player for reaching such areas.

It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that weather conditions could be factored into the game play via selection of cards.

It is still further contemplated that players could roll a die to select the type of goods to be transported to a selected destination, wherein the type of goods could provide a multiplier to the money to be earned for transporting the goods.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A truck line building board game comprising: a map board having major highways thereon.
 2. The truck line building board game of claim 1, wherein said major highways are divided into segments corresponding to mileage therealong.
 3. The truck line building board game of claim 1, further comprising a deck of cards.
 4. The truck line building board game of claim 3, wherein said deck of cards comprises two jokers, and four suits of thirteen cards each.
 5. The truck line building board game of claim 3, wherein each card of said deck of cards comprises an action to be taken by a player.
 6. The truck line building board game of claim 1, further comprising game pieces, wherein said game pieces are selected from the group consisting of tankers, enclosed trucks, flat trucks and auto-transports.
 7. The truck line building board game of claim 1, wherein said map board comprises a country selected from the group consisting of the United States, Canada, and combinations thereof.
 8. A method of learning major highway travel routes comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a truck line building board game comprising a map board having major highways thereon, wherein said major highways are divided into segments indicating distance therealong; b. selecting a starting home city and a destination city; and c. moving a game piece between said starting home city and said destination city along said segments.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: rolling at least one die to determine a distance to be moved.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: selecting a card from a deck of cards, wherein said card is chosen based on a numerical total appearing on said at least one die; and carrying out an action described on said card.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: rolling at least one die to determine the type of goods to be transported, wherein different types of goods comprise different multiplier values; paying players money based on mileage travelled between each player's said starting home city and said destination city; and multiplying said money by said multiplier values.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: paying money to a player, said money being based on distance between said starting home city and said destination city.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: said player acquiring trucks.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: multiplying said money paid to said player by the number of said trucks said player owns.
 15. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: selecting a new home city.
 16. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: selecting a new destination city.
 17. A method of building a trucking line, said method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a truck line building board game comprising a map board having major highways thereon, wherein said major highways are divided into segments indicating distance therealong; and b. earning money for miles travelled between a home city and a destination city.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of earning money further comprises the step of: earning said money by multiplying said miles travelled by a value per mile travelled.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: acquiring additional trucks.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: multiplying said money by a quantity of said trucks owned. 